NEW DELHI – A powerful explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening has left at least 13 people dead and more than 20 injured, prompting authorities to treat the incident as a suspected terror attack.
The blast occurred around 6:52 pm near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, when a Hyundai i20 car suddenly exploded at a traffic signal.
The force of the detonation set several nearby vehicles ablaze and shattered windows across the busy Chandni Chowk area. Witnesses described scenes of panic as commuters and tourists fled the site.
Police and emergency services rushed to the area, sealing off the Red Fort zone and closing the Lal Qila Metro Station.
The historic monument itself has been shut to visitors for three days as forensic teams continue their investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe. Forensic experts recovered traces of ammonium nitrate and live cartridges from the wreckage, strengthening suspicions that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting, directing agencies to “hunt down each and every culprit.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that the government would “get to the very bottom of this conspiracy.”
Investigators have traced the vehicle’s ownership history, revealing that it had changed hands multiple times before ending up with a man from Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns of a possible terror module link.
Reports suggest that a doctor from Pulwama, identified as Dr Umar, may have been driving the car at the time of the explosion.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed, and ₹2 lakh for the injured.
Health officials confirmed that several victims remain in critical condition at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital.
Security has been heightened across Delhi and other major cities, with advisories issued for public vigilance.
Police have expanded the investigation to multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, as part of a wider counter-terror operation.
The incident has reignited concerns about urban security in India’s capital, particularly around heritage sites and crowded public spaces.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks and a symbol of India’s history.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to piece together the sequence of events and identify the network behind the attack.
For now, Delhi remains on high alert, with residents urged to remain cautious while security forces intensify patrols across sensitive zones.
Sources: CNBC-TV18, Hindustan Times, Firstpost
